New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the governing body of the sport in the country, has announced a strategic partnership with Virtual Eye, the sports division of Animation Research Ltd, to drive innovation across high-performance analytics, broadcast technology, and fan engagement.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, brings together two of New Zealand’s most recognisable names in sport and technology. The collaboration will focus on developing advanced, data-driven tools designed to enhance player performance and transform how cricket is presented and experienced worldwide.
Under the partnership, Virtual Eye’s expertise in 3D visualisation, tracking, and real-time graphics will be integrated into NZC’s high-performance and broadcast programmes. This technology will support national teams through detailed performance insights, while also elevating the storytelling and analytical depth of televised cricket coverage.
Sir Ian Taylor, Founder of Virtual Eye, described the alliance as an opportunity to combine technological expertise with national sporting ambition and said, “Working directly with NZC gives us the chance to co-develop tools that not only enhance the performance of New Zealand’s players but also inspire, entertain, and educate fans at home and abroad. We’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink said the partnership aligns with the organisation’s strategic focus on technology and fan-centric innovation and added, “Virtual Eye has consistently set the global benchmark in sports technology and broadcast innovation, with world-leading assets in golf (PGA Tour) and baseball (MLB), sailing (America’s Cup) and cricket. This partnership is a genuine collaboration intended to push the boundaries in performance analytics, storytelling, and fan engagement. We’re small, but we’re also agile and flexible – and remaining at the forefront of cricket’s data-driven future is crucial to our success, on and off the field.”
The partnership forms part of NZC’s wider technology roadmap, which includes the Cricket Central app and its ongoing collaboration with CricViz on performance analysis and data integration. NZC also maintains commercial partnerships with G.J. Gardner Homes, Amazon Prime, Ford NZ, and SkyNZ, reflecting a broad commitment to digital and commercial innovation.
By aligning with Virtual Eye, NZC aims to position itself as one of world cricket’s most forward-thinking boards, leveraging home-grown technological expertise to match global standards and further enrich the sport’s digital ecosystem.
Meanwhile, on the field, the Blackcaps are currently hosting England for a three-match ODI and T20I series. The ODI leg saw England lead 1–0 after two washouts, while New Zealand clinched the T20 series 2–0 with the final match set for November 1 at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
